Shrubs as Nurse Species for Plant Communities in Arid Environments: A Case Study From Socotra Island (Yemen)

Research on Socotra Island reveals that certain shrubs act as nurse species, significantly enhancing plant community resilience and biodiversity in arid environments. The study found that thorny, poisonous, or unpalatable shrubs like Cebatha balfourii, Lycium sokotranum, and Cissus species facilitate higher species richness under their canopies compared to open areas, offering shelter from grazing pressure and improving microhabitat conditions. These nurse shrubs play a crucial role in supporting threatened tree species, such as frankincense (Boswellia spp.) and myrrh (Commiphora spp.), which are vital to Socotra's unique ecosystems. The findings highlight the potential of leveraging nurse plants for ecological restoration and conservation strategies, particularly in degraded landscapes facing environmental stressors like overgrazing and climate extremes.

La Montagna, D., De Sanctis, M., Maděra, P., Van Damme, K., Hamdiah, S., Attorre, F., & Malatesta, L. (2025). Shrubs as Nurse Species for Plant Communities in Arid Environments: A Case Study From Socotra Island (Yemen). Journal of Vegetation Science, 36(2). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.70020